At the outset, this project began with the transformation of a 2-car attached garage. The goal was to create a mudroom, an exercise room, and a breezeway to seamlessly connect the spacious detached garage with the main part of the house. Additionally, the project involved partial roof removal and the addition of a new front entry. But then came an unexpected twist – scope creep. We found ourselves veering away from the initial client-supplied architectural plans. After numerous consultations with the clients and several iterations of the design, we arrived at a significantly improved plan for the remodel and addition. Our journey commenced with the demolition of almost the entire former 2-car garage, making space for a new, oversized 3-car garage measuring 40′ x 28′. This garage was strategically placed between the existing house and the large detached garage. We introduced a custom low-sloped flat roof, designed to address historical drainage issues. To mitigate water pooling, we created a custom concrete step at the back corner of the garage, equipped with a sturdy metal grate that sits flush with the step. We also installed a PVC drainage system, commencing at the step and running beneath a newly designed patio, ultimately draining into the yard. These measures have significantly reduced water accumulation around the house. The new garage boasts several features, including Longboard aluminum siding, custom full glass garage doors, interior drywall finished to a level 4, an abundance of can lights, an epoxy floor coating, vinyl base trim, a new forced air garage heater, and more. The clients also requested a designated space for their three kids and their friends to enjoy, thus giving birth to the “Kid Zone.” We partitioned a section of the existing oversized garage, resulting in a space measuring approximately 22′ x 32′, brimming with entertainment possibilities. To enhance control over the temperature in the Kid Zone, we collaborated with our licensed HVAC partner to install a cold weather mini-split system. One of the most significant challenges was the modernization and consolidation of the home’s main electrical systems. We reconfigured and combined 6-7 different electrical panels into just two. One panel serves the main house, while the second is dedicated to backup power from a generator. These panels, along with the boiler for the in-floor heating system, are housed in a newly constructed mechanical room within the Kid Zone. Inside the main house, we completed various tasks, such as removing the ceiling in the hallway from the new garage to address prior water damage, improve insulation, and rework electrical and HVAC systems. We also replaced the ceiling from the front door to the base of the stairs, adding new can lighting and enhancing insulation. Skilled drywall specialists then installed and finished new drywall to a level 5 standard. The exterior of the house underwent a complete overhaul. Before installing new roofing on the entire house and garage, we modified an existing flat roof by adding custom lumber and plywood to enhance the pitch, preventing future ice dams. A new rubber roof was expertly installed on the oversized 3-car garage, and the flat roof section we re-framed. Our meticulous exterior team removed old white aluminum soffit, fascia, and gutters, replacing them with new framing to accommodate Longboard soffit material. This task was particularly challenging due to the age of the house and the non-standard wall and roof framing. Our skilled exterior subcontractors ensured a perfect fit. Near the pool area, we discovered severe rot and decay from years of water intrusion. After informing the homeowners, we ordered and installed five new commercial-style block framed windows and a custom 8′ high Anderson patio door. This involved careful removal and replacement of window headers from the outside to avoid disturbing the finished part of the house. We reframed the large openings to fit the new windows, and our skilled trim carpenters installed new walnut casing, base, and window sills. In total, we replaced around 900 lineal feet of soffit and installed approximately 32 squares of aluminum siding. The entire house was meticulously prepped, repaired, and painted according to the client’s chosen color. Throughout the project, we incorporated numerous custom touches and unique design elements, some of which you can see in the pictures. Our team also addressed various unforeseen challenges, from soil issues to rot and decay repair, roof leaks, drainage problems, electrical and HVAC complexities, and much more. At Xpand Inc., we take pride in making it all happen, turning your remodeling and renovation dreams into reality.

Mistlethrush Barn is a delightful barn conversion in a hamlet just outside Acresforsd, Leicestershire. A beautiful space that buyers were struggling to visualise as empty spaces, we created a warm cosy feel to the property.

Clopay Modern Steel Black Lustra garage doors with contemporary slim windows featured on the 2023 New American Home in Las Vegas. Built and designed by Luxus Design Build/Studio g Architecture. Photos by: Joel Gamble, Klassick Vision Studios.

Clopay Modern Steel Black Lustra garage doors with contemporary slim windows featured on the 2023 New American Home in Las Vegas. Built and designed by Luxus Design Build/Studio g Architecture. Photos by: Joel Gamble, Klassick Vision Studios.

The owners had grand ambitions for their major house renovation down in Surrey and we were delighted to be brought in with the challenge of delivering 6 brand new, bespoke doors. Working closely with Nova Architecture, we lent our experience to develop a series of door solutions that would match and enhance the impressive house makeover and extension to the back. European oak was the preferred natural hardwood of choice and this was translated into multiple designs across all door types – front, garage and internal. Door details: Front door: flush Porto design in European oak (1500mm x 2100mm) Bi-fold garage door: Parma design double bi-fold garage in European oak (5400mm x 2400mm) Back door: flush Ice V design in European oak (1270mm x 2250mm) 3 x internal doors: fire-rated (FD30) Porto design in European oak (varying sizes) Architect: Nova Architecture

The concept of this project was to bring life to this house and bring it back to its mid-century roots with a modern twist. Opening interior walls and connecting adjacent spaces was framework was open for the Interior Design. The Kitchen mixes warm wood tones and cool blue cabinets to enhance the richness of the space. Exposed Structural Glulam Beams were installed throughout to open the adjacent spaces and allow for the connections to flow between new/old.

Front perspective showing stone facade, entry porch, metal roofing, dormer in loft and cupola.

New garage doors with garage door openers